**Ukraine Signs Deal with US Company to Produce Hundreds of Thousands of Drones**
In a major boost to Ukraine’s military capabilities, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 3 that his country has signed a long-term strategic partnership agreement with the US company Swift Beat to co-produce hundreds of thousands of drones this year.
The deal was signed by Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Eric Schmidt, CEO of Swift Beat, in Denmark, where Zelensky was visiting as part of the country’s assumption of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. Under the agreement, Swift Beat will produce various kinds of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for Ukraine, including those designed to intercept Russian drones and missiles, reconnaissance, attack, and other types.
The key priority is interceptor drones that have already proven effective in Ukraine, according to Zelensky. “We’ve tested models from several companies, and now we’re signing serious contracts,” he said.
Swift Beat will increase its production capacity to produce hundreds of thousands of drones for Ukraine this year, with plans to scale up production in 2026. Modern drones will be supplied to Ukraine as a priority, on special terms and at cost, Zelensky added.
This announcement comes just a day after the US Defense Department halted shipments of some air defense missiles and other weapons previously promised to Kyiv. Ukraine has been trying to negotiate buying US weapons for months since President Donald Trump took office in January.
**Denmark’s Role in Supporting Ukraine**
Zelensky arrived in Denmark on July 3 to mark the country’s assumption of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. During his visit, he plans to raise the issue of political blockages hindering Ukraine’s path to joining the European Union.
Ukraine applied for EU membership in 2022 and was granted candidate status shortly thereafter, but full negotiations require the approval of all 27 EU member states. Denmark has been a key backer of Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. In February 2024, Copenhagen signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement with Kyiv, pledging long-term defense cooperation until Ukraine secures NATO membership.
**Expectations from Zelensky**
Zelensky expects Denmark to expand its financial support for Ukraine’s drone and missile production initiatives. “What we’ve just signed requires significant funding,” he said. “I’m counting on our relationship with Denmark.”
The Ukrainian president will also participate in official events commemorating Denmark’s presidency of the Council, which will be attended by Denmark’s royal family, government officials, and EU leaders.
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